The rantings of a teacher who retired from the classroom but not from education.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Difference Of Opinion

We tell our students that learning is a hands on activity. They can't learn anything unless there is active participation on their part.

I can't learn to swim by watching someone splash around in a pool but truthfully, I am probably to old to learn anyway, so it doesn't matter. The Smart Board on the other hand, I am not too old to learn how to use. I know with proper training and practice, I could become an expert in no time.

The only training I have received has been from other teachers who have mastered using the smart board in their classrooms in various disciplines. As a reward, they were asked to conduct staff development workshops. I am a bit awkward around technology, but I am very willing to learn. My pace, however, is a bit slower than those of us who are already hard wired and for whom the use of technology is second nature. I hope there will one day be a staff development workshop incorporating the use of smart boards for slower learners. I have special needs when it comes to learning technology or at least how to get started; it is not second nature for me.